Today (Monday 15 August) is the last chance to vote for York to host the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR).
These are the six finalists:
- Birmingham
- Crewe
- Derby
- Doncaster
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- York.
GBR will be a new public sector body which will oversee Britain’s railways. Altogether, 42 cities and towns bid in the national competition.
An online public vote on the six shortlisted locations for its headquarters was opened last month.
You can vote for York here.
The outcome will “play a crucial role” but the final decision will be made by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps later this year, according to the DfT.
City of York Council submitted its bid on 16 March, with the backing of partners across the city.
Moving the GBR HQ to York could have a major impact on the local economy, and estimates the move would add £110 million to York’s economy, creating 1,600 new jobs.
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Cllr Keith Aspden, leader of the council, said: “Ever since the announcement of GBR plans, we have continued to make the case for York to be chosen as the home of the Government’s flagship rail body.
Cllr Aspden continued: “Our existing connections, historical links, sector jobs and highly skilled workforce, would make the city a perfect fit for GBR.
“Our York Central site stands ready to host the GBR HQ at the heart of one of the UK’s most loved and visited cities, bringing skills, investment and jobs.
“York is already at the heart of the rail industry in the North, so this move would give us the opportunity to truly cement York’s place as the national home for Rail. I would urge residents and businesses to support the campaign and help us bring GBR to York!”
York Central MP Rachael Maskell said: “Working together, we can bring Great British Railways home to York.”
“Locating the new headquarters in York has the potential to transform the economic landscape of the city by transforming its railways industry into a global rail super cluster.
“GBR HQ will help maintain and further develop York’s place as the heart of the UK’s rail industry, offering future opportunities for York’s young workforce and bringing new high skilled, well paid jobs to the region.”